Page 45 of Wild

My cock went hard again, and I had to adjust myself. “Stop talking about being naked, little girl.”

“Or what?” she challenged with a smirk.

I growled. “Or… fuck.” I looked away.

“Right.” Disappointment rang in her defeated tone. “What’s the scoop with the cows? Are they lost?”

“No, I have a feeling Jett Markle is using this property like he owns it.”

“Well, aren’t we?” she asked. “I mean, the waterfall is on the same property.”

“Technically,” I grudgingly agreed. “We’ve had a long-standing arrangement with the guy ever since my parents ran the ranch. Hell, before me and my brothers were born. He gave us permission to be here. We helped each other out. That’s what neighbors do. Markle just moved his cows right on in.” I sighed. “We’ll have to call his niece and make sure she knows about Jett’s cattle being over here.”

Marina nodded. She knew nothing about cows or grazing land, so it was a short conversation. But I’d need to have a long one with Rob and what the fuck he was going to do with Jett Markle.

“Well, little girl, I’d better get you back, so you can get all dolled up for the wedding. While you’re doing that, I’ve got to talk to Rob.”

15

MARINA

“So what’swith you and Colton?” Audrey asked, an hour later.

After the riding, Colton had given me directions, and I’d driven one of the ranch trucks to Audrey’s and Boyd’s cabin in the woods. He’d wanted to drive me, but since he still had to rub down the horses, I put my foot down. In return, he refused to allow me to take my tiny rental, saying it would probably bottom out on the dirt road to get there. Once I parked in front of Audrey’s and Boyd’s cute place, I had to agree he was probably right. This place was remote, and the access road was… rustic.

When Audrey came out onto the porch to meet me, I knew she was happy here. I felt a pang of jealousy… again, but tamped it down. She deserved a good man, and Boyd was it.

“Now that I finally have you all alone, I want to hearallabout you and Colton.”

She led me inside. The walls were log, the main room a living room, kitchen and dining room combination. The kitchen had been updated or was in the process of it, but I could see modern touches in the granite counters and new fridge. The rock fireplace went from floor to ceiling, and I knew it would make the place cozy in the winter.

Now, all the windows were open to let in the gentle breeze. It smelled like pine and… wildness.

“We met by chance in front of a washed-out road.”

“And you shared a motel room because of the storm.”

“Right.”

“Yet he seemedreallysurprised when he came into the kitchen when he arrived.”

I blushed. “That’s because I didn’t tell him who I was.”

She pushed her glasses up. She’d already showered, and her hair was blown out but hadn’t been styled. “But you knew who he was?”

I nodded.

“Oh boy. No wonder he was so… wild.”

I thought about how he’d carried me off and punished me.

“Yeah,” I said on a breathy sigh.

“Please say you used protection,” she said, looking her down her nose at me.

“Audrey!” I gasped. “I’m not a patient of yours. I’m your sister.”

“Even more reason to check in.” When I only frowned at her, she continued with her hands up. “I’m not saying he’s got chlamydia or something, but you don’t want any babies right now.”